Goal-oriented Green dives into new season

This year, the Green swimming teams are hoping to make another big splash.

Last season, the girls finished as Suburban League co-champions, while the boys finished fourth in the league.

Expectations are even higher this time around as both teams return a nucleus of veteran swimmers that will provide both depth and experience.

"This year, we face some great competition," said coach Mike Lazor. "Our dual meets should come right down to the wire. But this type of great competition helps set us up for the February tournaments."

Preparation for this season started during the off-season, when swimmers kept up with conditioning and committed to achieving both personal and team goals.

"Both teams are really goal-oriented," said Lazor. "But once they hit one goal, they set a new goal for themselves and keep repeating the cycle as they progress. … It is really great to have so many young people who work so hard with a reason. I am so excited to see the results they obtain."

The team's senior leaders play a significant role in helping to drive the teams' direction and dedication.

"Being a captain is a big responsibility," team co-captain Spencer Nay said. "You have to set an example both in and out of the pool. You learn about determination and sportsmanship and this carries over into your daily life. This year, I would like us to get better as a team by setting realistic goals, then breaking them, and setting new goals to try and break.'

Combined, Green's swim teams boast 50 members – 20 on the boys team and 30 on the girls team. Those numbers provide the sort of depth that is important over the course of a long season. The teams also have five divers this season – four girls and one boy.

"Both teams have been impressive so far this season. We started off with dual victories in our first tournament," Lazor siad. "And the addition of divers this year will be good for when we go into Federal League competition."

The swimmers' positive outlook for the season is another of the team's greatest assets. That enthusiasm and determination is reflected in how they practice and work out together.

"I really want the team to excel and, of course, if it is possible, I'd like us to win the league title," senior swimmer Claire Dolan said. "For me, I would really like to do good in the sectionals. So far this year, our practices have been tough but this is now showing off in our times."

Senior Megan Leibensperger believes the teams' focus on goals and commitment to achieving them brings all of the swimmers together and creates a family atmosphere.

"We've all gotten closer together as the season goes on," Leibensperger said. "One of my favorite things about this year is how close we are."